I decided to pull out of the Belfast Marathon today. It would have been my tenth but I realised I was fighting a losing battle and was nowhere near ready for it, both physically and mentally. I’m disappointed with myself but I knew it could well have been an even bigger disappointment had I turned up on the day unprepared. Marathons are brutal. They will chew you up and spit you out if they see a chink in your armour.
The disappointment and frustration is also tinged with relief. I was dreading the prospect of long training runs on my own which would have eaten into the already limited time I have at the weekend. I’ve been without a running buddy for some time now and, while I largely enjoy running on my own, it’s tough plodding 20 miles along deserted country roads with nobody to keep you company and take your mind off the discomfort and pain.
I still plan to run the Omagh Half Marathon next Saturday. It’s my home town and I’ve already paid the entry fee so I’m determined not to miss out on it. There will be less pressure on me now and I’d be happy to complete the course in 2 hours. That’s almost 1/2 hour slower than my Personal Best but my days of killing myself to run faster and faster are long behind me. I’m 100% with my place further down the field these days.
Running, for me now, is about keeping fit and mentally healthy. It makes me a better husband, father and person. I’m not interested in strutting about adorned in medals and bragging about my exploits on social media. That was the old me. Which is why I love writing on WordPress. It’s me. Good days, bad days. What you see is what you get. Warts and all. 26.2 miles can wait for now.
Black Thoughts 
God bless you in your wisdom.
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Thank you.
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Good job taking care of yourself properly!!
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Thank you.
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Good for you! Sometimes NOT doing something takes courage. Have a great half marathon. 🙂
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Thank you Paula 🙂
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You’ve gotten so much wiser on me!
Who are you?🤔😳
Kidding aside. Really happy ‘you’re happy’ with your decision! That’s all that matters in the end! Your overall happiness.
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Oh don’t worry. It will never last 😂
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Thata a boy! 🤘
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Wishing you a great marathon.
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Half Marathon 😉
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It’s a full one in my eyes.
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I’ll be posting a blog about it next weekend so make sure you read it.
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Oh I won’t be missing that one!
Stephen, I still cannot…beat the 5 miles run 😔! So I love that you run and run and run
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Couldn’t you push it a little more. 10K? That’s 6.2 miles.
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I will try…
I need someone to crack the whip like my personal trainer a few years ago or I’ll risk living the remaining of my life, hovering around that 5
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You should sign up for a 10K. I challenge you 😉
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I cannot run with humans. 😔
I can only run on my own.
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I don’t much like running so kudos to you for keeping yourself fit and determined like that. It’s hard exposing yourself on a blog and you and I both know how therapeutic it can be. I look forward to reading future posts as well as older ones.
Always wanted to go to Ireland. Ah…well, maybe one of these days.
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Thank you very much. You should. It’s an amazing part of the world.
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hiya steven, sorry you had to pull out, but there will be other runs, other marathons, i think you made the right decision especially if you werent mentally or physically ready!
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This must have been a difficult decision but sometimes the difficult decisions provide the greatest relief. I was due to do the Chester triple – 10k, half and metric (26.2km) marathon but, like you, I just wouldn’t have been ready. It was disappointing to cancel but the right thing. There will be other marathons, or halfs, or simply run for what it gives you.
Take care x
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Yes, you just know when you’re not ready. I know in my heart I’ve made the right decision. Thank you.
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Good decision. If you are not going into a marathon with full confidence then it will end but being a nightmare. Good luck with your training.
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Thank you sir. All roads lead to the Omagh HM next Saturday 🙂
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I’ll be watching
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It’s good you realize your limits. Saying no to something can be incredibly hard. But sometimes it is the best thing you can do.
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It’s a weight off my shoulders if I’m honest.
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Not an easy decision to make! Take care.
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Thank you Heather. Good luck for London 👍🏻
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Finding joy in the journey is crown. Which is much better than a medal. Wear it proudly.
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Big relief if I’m honest. Thank you.
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Oh no I’m sorry to read this!! It is the best decision you could make albeit a tough one. 😊
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Maybe Scott can run it for me? 😉
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He’s not marathon ready either 😄 his isn’t until October thank goodness. For now he is just running for pleasure, no pressure and it’s nice!
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Running a sub 17 5K. That’s not pleasure 😂 but fair play to him 👍🏻🏃🏻♂️
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He is just one of those people that makes it look easy though 😂 frustrating for the rest of us that lollop along 😂
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Sometimes, even though I may feel bad for quitting, I know in the long run it’ll be better for me! Wise decision.
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Thank you oh wiser one 😉
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😜
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Good job taking care of yourself. I would hate to see you in pain again like after the run with the toothache. That made ME hurt just reading it. You are gaining wisdom and also passing it on. Love it!!
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I understand. My uncle trains year round for marathons. It’s kind of his thing. His sense of dedication amazes me, as yours does as well. Good luck with future marathons.
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Thank you very much. Good luck to your uncle as well.
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If not this year then next – the marathon will be there when you are ready! Until then, good luck this weekend!! 🏃♂️
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Thank you very much 😊
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Do what’s right for you, no shame in that. It’s self care.
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Thank you very much 😊
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